FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs

What can I expect from my first visit to Wholeness Center? 

Initial visit lengths are practitioner dependent but can vary from forty-five minutes to one and a half hours, at which time your team member will take a detailed history of your health concerns. They may choose to do a physical exam, explore a therapeutic counseling session, order lab work or other tests. If you have already had tests done you may choose to bring a copy of them with you. Some natural medications or supplements may be prescribed and a treatment plan will be devised at this time.

Learn more about the Wholeness Method

Do you take insurance?

Currently we are not able to submit directly to insurance on your behalf. However, we provide a superbill and an invoice needed to self submit to insurance. Practitioners may order lab work and this is often covered by insurance plans without the need to self submit.

Can I make an appointment online through the ChARM electronic patient portal?

Yes, for participating providers at Wholeness. Online scheduling can be completed using our online patient portal. Additionally appointments may be scheduled over the phone- please call our office to schedule your appointments at 970-221-1106. We have in person, virtual and phone visits available. 

I love what you are doing. Is there any way that I can support your efforts?

We have a federally approved non-profit, the Foundation for the Whole Child. This has 501(c)3 status that makes your donations tax deductible. In the short term, we will use these funds to offer scholarships to individuals of all ages for treatment at Wholeness Center. 

Please contact us at 970-221-1106 to make a donation. We very much appreciate any support that you can offer, as we want to be part of the safety net for our community.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you need to change an appointment please call our front office and they will assist you.

If you have a last-minute change, we do require one full business day (24 hours) notice for follow-up appointments and two full business days (48 hours) for new patient visits to cancel or reschedule. If we do not receive this notice prior to your appointment there will be a fee assessed.

What ages do you see? 

We see individuals of all ages!  Our staff is well-balanced and includes child, adolescent and adult psychiatrists/ psychiatric nurse practitioners, naturopathic doctors, and therapists. We pride ourselves on being a family-oriented practice towards mental health concerns. 

Are you a psychedelic clinic? 

Psychedelic medicine is an exciting, innovative therapy that may be appropriate for some individuals. If needed, psychedelic treatment can offer some individuals an option for transformative care. We are not and will never be an exclusively psychedelic center.  These powerful medicines are merely a tool to help support some and do not substitute for comprehensive assessment and complete care.  Our approach to new modalities is a balanced approach that assesses safety and the power to support your path to wholeness. For example, ketamine employs the same basic approach as psychedelics by supporting an inward journey We have been working with this medicine since 2015. Also, we are one of the 13 sites in the world researching the value of MDMA in addressing trauma. Wholeness is a national leader in this element of innovative mental health care.

Why do you do collaboration assessments?

We are all complex beings, and we would be foolish to state we would know exactly how you would respond to treatment just by meeting you one time.  Collaboration visits are designed to bring experts in different aspects of mental health together so that we can build a plan together that is the most supportive for you with the most information to inform our decisions.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) FAQ

About Ketamine Therapy

Q: What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)?

A: Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy combines the use of ketamine with guided therapeutic support to help relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. The medicine promotes neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new connections which can lead to emotional breakthroughs and improved mood.

Q: How does ketamine help with depression?

A: Unlike traditional antidepressants that can take weeks to work, ketamine acts on a different neurotransmitter system (glutamate) and often produces rapid improvement in mood—sometimes within hours or days. It helps “reset” brain pathways involved in depression and supports new, healthier patterns of thought.

Q: What makes Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy at Wholeness Center different from other ketamine clinics?

A: At Wholeness Center, our approach goes beyond medication alone. We can combine:

  • A comprehensive biomedical and functional assessment (including nutrition, hormones, and brain mapping) before starting KAP.
  • A collaborative team of psychiatrists, naturopathic doctors, therapists, and brain-health specialists, not just an infusion provider.
  • Structured preparation and integration sessions to help you prepare for and process each experience.
  • Holistic support through additional therapies such as neurofeedback, nutritional counseling, and evidence-based psychotherapy.
  • A focus on set, setting, and the therapeutic relationship—treating ketamine as a catalyst within a broader healing framework.

This integrative model is designed to optimize neuroplasticity, deepen insight, and support long-term transformation, rather than offering only short-term symptom relief.

The Treatment Experience

Q: What happens during a KAP session?

A: During a KAP session, you’ll be in a calm, supportive environment at the Wholeness Center. A clinician administers a dose of ketamine (by IV or intramuscular injection) while you relax in a comfortable setting. You may experience altered perceptions or emotional release, and a therapist is present to guide and support you throughout the experience.

Q: Will I be awake during the session?

A: Yes. You’ll remain conscious and aware, though your perceptions may shift. Some people describe the experience as dreamlike or introspective.

Q: How long does a session last?

A: A typical session lasts about 60–90 minutes, including preparation and recovery time. Patients usually rest briefly after the session before returning home with a trusted companion.

Q: How many sessions are needed?

A: Most patients begin with a series of 4–6 sessions over a few weeks. Your treatment plan will be customized based on your needs and how you respond to therapy. Some individuals benefit from occasional maintenance sessions afterward. At Wholeness Center, each series also includes preparation and integration sessions to help translate insights from your experiences into sustainable changes in daily life.

Effectiveness and Safety

Q: Is ketamine therapy safe?

A: Yes. Ketamine has been used safely in medical settings for decades. When given in low doses under professional supervision, it is considered safe and well-tolerated. The most common side effects are temporary and mild, such as dizziness, nausea, or a sense of dissociation.

Q: How quickly will I notice results?

A: Many patients experience improvements in mood or clarity within the first few sessions. For some, relief occurs within hours; for others, it may take several treatments to feel significant change.

Q: Are the effects long-lasting?

A: Results vary. Many people find that the benefits last weeks to months, especially when combined with ongoing therapy and lifestyle support. Integration sessions help reinforce and sustain the positive effects. Because Wholeness Center integrates medical, psychological, and lifestyle support, our patients often experience more durable outcomes than with infusion-only clinics.

Getting Started

Q: What should I do before starting KAP?

A: You’ll begin with an initial consultation at the Wholeness Center, where your provider will review your medical history, current medications, and mental health background to ensure ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is appropriate for you. This consultation also includes a comprehensive wellness assessment to personalize your treatment plan.

Q: What should I bring to my first session?

A: Bring a list of your medications, a form of ID, and arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you home after your treatment.

Q: Is ketamine-assisted psychotherapy covered by insurance?

A: At this time, most insurance plans do not cover traditional ketamine infusions or lozenge- based therapy. However, staff can provide documentation for possible reimbursement or payment plan options.

Note: Spravato®, the FDA-approved nasal spray version of esketamine, is covered by Colorado Medicaid and most private insurers.

Q: How do I schedule a consultation?

A: Fill out our Contact Us Webform or call us at (970) 394-2823

Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy FAQs — The Wholeness Center

Q: What is psilocybin-assisted therapy?

A: Psilocybin-assisted therapy is a guided therapeutic process that uses psilocybin under clinical supervision to support healing from conditions such as depression, trauma, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive disorder, Traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, end of life processing, alcohol and substance misuse and other mental health challenges.

Q: What makes Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy at Wholeness Center different from other programs?

A: Wholeness Center offers a uniquely integrative and medically supervised approach to psilocybin-assisted therapy. Unlike retreat-style or one-dimensional clinics, our model combines:

  • Full-spectrum care: medical and psychological clearance, optional functional medicine, evaluation before any psilocybin session.
  • Licensed, multidisciplinary facilitators: sessions led by psychiatrists, NPs, or licensed therapists certified in psychedelic-assisted therapy.
  • Personalized preparation and integration: multiple sessions before and after each medicine journey, focused on intention, safety, and meaning-making.
  • Neuroscience-informed support: access to brain mapping, neurofeedback, and nutritional programs that reinforce neuroplasticity and emotional regulation.
  • Long-term continuity of care: ongoing therapy, optional follow-ups, and the ability to integrate other modalities such as ketamine or psychotherapy as needed.

This model ensures psilocybin is used not just as a medicine, but as a catalyst within a comprehensive healing journey designed for durable, life-changing outcomes.

Q: Is psilocybin-assisted therapy legal?

A: The Wholeness Center operates under Colorado’s licensed psilocybin regulations, with care provided by certified and licensed professionals in a clinical setting.

Q: What conditions can psilocybin therapy help with?

A: Psilocybin therapy may support healing for individuals experiencing:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • PTSD and trauma
  • Addiction
  • Eating disorders
  • Brain injury recovery
  • Chronic pain
  • Existential or end-of-life distress

Q: What does the healing journey at The Wholeness Center look like?

A: The psilocybin-assisted healing journey at The Wholeness Center unfolds in five distinct phases, each designed to ensure safety, preparation, and lasting transformation.

1. Assessment

The first phase involves a comprehensive and medical clearance which can be done virtually or on-site.

2. Preparation

Once approved for psilocybin therapy, clients are paired with a clinical facilitator that is a licensed therapist trained in psilocybin-assisted therapy. Together, they engage in preparation sessions focused on:

  • Intention setting
  • Maximizing the therapeutic experience
  • Building trust and safety between client and facilitator

The number of sessions varies by individual and may be conducted in person or virtually.

3. Guided Medicine Session

After adequate preparation, the guided psilocybin session takes place at The Wholeness Center in Fort Collins, CO.

Clients experience their session in a safe, comfortable, low-light environment, often with gentle music and an optional blindfold to encourage introspection.

A clinical facilitator remains present throughout the session to offer guidance and support. Sessions typically last around six hours, though timing can vary.

Clients must arrange for a support person to drive them home and provide companionship afterward.

4. Integration

Following the guided session, clients participate in integration therapy sessions with the same clinical facilitator.

These sessions help clients:

  • Process and make sense of their experience
  • Translate insights into lasting life changes
  • Identify small, practical steps toward growth and healing

Integration ensures that insights from the psilocybin session are anchored into daily life. These sessions can be done virtually or on-site.

5. Long-Term Support

Healing doesn’t end with integration. Clients continue to have access to The Wholeness Center’s multidisciplinary team for follow-up sessions, ongoing care, and additional guidance.

Q: Who conducts the sessions?

A: Sessions are facilitated by a either a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner or a licensed mental
health professional.

Q: Is it safe?

A: Yes. All sessions are supervised with individualized safety protocols to ensure client well-
being.

Q: What happens after a psilocybin session?

A: Clients engage in integration therapy to help apply insights from their experience to daily life. Ongoing long-term support is available to ensure continued care after leaving the center.

Q: Do you offer other services?

  • A: Yes. The Wholeness Center provides a full spectrum of services, including:
  • Psychiatry
  • Functional Medicine
  • Psychotherapy
  • Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
  • Spravato
  • Retreats
  • Nutritional Support
  • Brainmapping
  • Neurofeedback
  • Testing and Assessments

Q: What credentials do the clinicians hold?

A: Clinicians at The Wholeness Center range in the following disciplines:

  • Psychedelic-assisted therapy
  • Integrative psychiatry
  • Functional medicine
  • Naturopathic medicine
  • Traditional psychotherapy

Clients are matched with the clinician best suited to their individual needs and treatment goals.

Q: Can treatment sessions be completed virtually?

A: Yes. The Wholeness Center offers virtual sessions when appropriate for clients unable to visit the Fort Collins office. However, guided psilocybin sessions must be conducted in person at the center.

Q: Is psilocybin-assisted therapy covered by insurance?

A: Currently, psilocybin-assisted therapy is not covered by insurance.

Q: Can I stay on my current medication and still receive psilocybin-assisted therapy?

A: Current medications are reviewed during the Assessment Phase of the healing journey. Each client will have a medical clearance appointment with a licensed provider to determine what, if any, changes need to be made to medications before proceeding with treatment.

Q: Can I meet my clinical facilitator before deciding to pursue treatment?

A: Yes. The Wholeness Center offers a 15-minute introductory call for clients who wish to meet the facilitator they will work with throughout the Preparation, Guided Session, and Integration phases. This call takes place after medical clearance and approval for treatment.

Wholeness Center integrates psychedelic therapy within a full medical and psychological ecosystem- bridging science, safety, and soul.

Spravato® (Esketamine) – Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Spravato®?

A: Spravato® is a prescription nasal spray that contains esketamine, a form of ketamine. It’s approved by the FDA to treat adults with:

  • Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) — when at least two other
    antidepressants haven’t worked.
  • Major depressive disorder (MDD) with passive or active suicidal thoughts or actions.

Q: How does Spravato® work?

A: Spravato® acts differently from traditional antidepressants. Instead of primarily targeting serotonin or norepinephrine, it affects the glutamate system, which helps restore connections between brain cells. This can lead to rapid improvement in mood for some patients.

Q: Who might benefit from Spravato®?

A: Spravato® may be an option if you:

  • Have a major depressive disorder or treatment resistant depression diagnosis
  • Have tried at least two antidepressants without enough improvement.
  • Experience severe depression or suicidal thoughts despite medication and
    therapy.

Your healthcare provider will determine if Spravato® is right for you.

Q: How is Spravato® administered?

A: Spravato® is given as a nasal spray in a certified medical office. You cannot take it home.

  • You self-administer the spray under medical supervision.
  • Afterward, you’ll be monitored for about two hours for safety and side effects.

Q: What is the treatment schedule?

A: Treatment typically includes:

  • Weeks 1–4: Twice per week
  • Weeks 5–8: Once per week
  • After 8 weeks: Every 1–2 weeks, depending on progress

Q: What should I expect on treatment day?

1. Arrive at your clinic and check in.
2. Use the nasal spray under supervision.
3. Relax in a comfortable room while being monitored for two hours.
4. You’ll need a ride home — no driving for the rest of the day.

Q: What are the possible side effects?

A: Common side effects include:

  • Dizziness or nausea
  • Feeling “spaced out” or detached
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Sleepiness or fatigue
  • Changes in taste

These effects usually fade within a few hours.

Q: Is Spravato® addictive?

A: Spravato® is a controlled medication due to its relation to ketamine. However, when administered in a medical setting under supervision, the risk of misuse or addiction is very low.

Q: Can I continue my current antidepressant?

A: Yes. Spravato® is prescribed along with an oral antidepressant, not as a replacement.

Q: How quickly does Spravato® work?

A: Some patients notice improvement within hours or days. Others may need several sessions. Many report significant progress within the first month.

Q: Will insurance cover Spravato®?

A: Yes, many insurance providers cover Spravato®, including Colorado Medicaid for eligible patients. Coverage can vary, so your clinic can help verify benefits and explore financial assistance options.

How do I prepare for my appointment?

  • Eat a light meal a few hours before treatment.
  • Avoid alcohol or recreational drugs beforehand.
  • Arrange for a ride home after your session.
  • Wear comfortable clothing and plan to rest afterward.

Where can I learn more?

Visit www.spravato.com or contact The Wholeness Center. If you’re in Colorado, talk to a Wellness Coordinator about insurance coverage for Spravato® treatment.